"That's what I wanted to know. If you didn't—"
"He'd call it off?"
"No; perhaps not. But she would."
"Have you any special reason for thinking so?"
"None but my knowledge of—of that kind of woman in general." She went on as quietly as if the incident of fifteen years previously had never occurred. "Men are so guileless about women who have—who have love to sell. They're such simpletons. They so easily think these women like them for themselves when all the while they're only gauging the measure of the pocketbook."
Collingham endeavored not to hang his head, but it seemed to go down in spite of him as the placid voice sketched his program for the day.
Junia had heard her husband say that Mr. Huntley, his second in command, was to go to South America in connection with the issue of Paraguayan bonds. Why shouldn't Bob be sent with him? It would add to his experience and make him feel important. After he had left Asuncion, reasons could be found for keeping him at Lima, Rio, or Buenos Aires till the whole thing blew over. Having accepted the suggestion gratefully, Collingham came to the question he had up to now repressed.
"Who's the girl? I suppose you know."
"She's been posing for Hubert Wray. Bob met her at the studio. Her name is—"
Grasping the arms of the chair, he strained forward.